Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Canada – Quebec City – Baie-Saint-Paul – Le Bic – Carleton – Perce – Gaspe – Gaspesie National Park – Riviere-du-Loup
100% customisable for you
Passports at the ready: your Canadian road trip begins today. This morning, head to the airport to catch your flight to Quebec City, which will take around seven and a half hours.
Passports at the ready: your Canadian road trip begins today. This morning, head to the airport to catch your flight to Quebec City, which will take around seven and a half hours.
As the only fortified city in North America, Quebec City instantly transports you back to the colonial era of New France. You have two full days to explore the city, whether you’d rather head to the Citadel for a glimpse into the past or simply wander along the St. Lawrence River. Along the way, stop at charming café terraces for a coffee and croissant – the perfect setting for a well-deserved rest.
While you’re here, don't miss a getaway to Jacques-Cartier National Park. A true haven of peace located just 30 miles from Quebec City, this park offers a breath of fresh air to travellers looking to escape the city for a few hours. If you’re a keen hiker, you’re in luck: it boasts mountain landscapes, deep valleys and a tranquil river, perfect for a serene stroll.
On your last day in the city, you’ll also pick up your rental car, ready for your road trip to begin tomorrow.
Behind the wheel of your rental car, set off on the one-hour drive to Baie-Saint-Paul, a pretty city in the Charlevoix region. When you arrive, check into your hotel before venturing out to explore.
For a long time, the town's economy was based on agriculture and forestry; today, it boasts numerous art galleries and opportunities for outdoor excursions. It's also the gateway to the Grands-Jardins and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Riviere-Malbaie National Parks, so whether you’d rather kayak along the Gouffre River, trek along mountainous trails or simply stroll along the city streets, the afternoon is yours for the taking.
Today, jump back in the car and head to Saint-Simeon for the one-hour ferry to Riviere-du-Loup. Once on the other side of the water, your journey continues for another hour through wild landscapes, bordered by immense cliffs, small villages, charming harbours and pebble beaches.
When you arrive in Le Bic, check into your hotel and settle in for the next two nights. As the gateway to Bic National Park, this pretty village is surrounded by nature, so spend the rest of the day soaking up the scenic views.
Today is all about exploring Bic National Park at your own pace. Nestled between sparkling sea and lush forest, the park’s headlands, bays, coves, islands and mountains create a harmonious landscape – perfect for hiking, kayaking or cycling.
As you travel along the park’s scenic trails, keep your eyes peeled for the local flora and fauna. Seabirds nest here, rare plants bloom on the rocky headlands, and seals bask in the sun near the shore. Cameras at the ready: several trails offer stunning views of the coastline, making for a beautiful, calm and relaxing day.
Today, hit the road again and drive three hours south along the peninsula towards Chaleur Bay. Here, beaches beckon for swimming, and traditional Acadian villages revolve around the rhythm of fishing.
Founded in the 18th century by local families, the village of Carleton boasts a beautiful barachois (lagoon), a vast sandbar and a sparkling bay.
Settle in for two nights in the heart of the village before heading out for a tasty dinner and an evening stroll along the sand.
Today, take to the water and try your hand at kayaking down the Bonaventure River. Alongside an expert guide, hop into a canoe or kayak and set off sailing on the crystal-clear water. This short and peaceful section of the river offers the best conditions for a pleasant paddle and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing, ready for more exploring tomorrow.
This morning, make the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Perce, a coastal city on the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula. The next two days are all about peace, quiet and soaking in views of the Atlantic Ocean, so check into your hotel and let the relaxation begin.
On one of the days, head out on a boat trip to Perce Rock. Cameras at the ready: this rocky islet, with its steep cliffs and limestone arch, makes for a fantastic holiday snap. Afterwards, sail onwards to Bonaventure Island, where you’ll head out on a scenic walk to discover the island’s colony of northern gannets.
Today, continue your journey to Gaspe, just under an hour’s drive from Perce. Once you’ve dropped your bags, head out to explore nearby Forillon National Park. This sprawling seaside park, bordered by the Gulf of St. Lawrence on one side and Gaspe Bay on the other, offers breathtaking panoramas – thousands of seabirds find refuge in the boreal forest or on the cliffs, while the shores are home to cute seal colonies.
Another day, another hike. This morning, drive to Gaspesie National Park, just under three hours away, and check in for two nights at a cottage.
Spend the next few days discovering the park's hiking trails. Originally created to protect the flora and fauna of the Gaspe Peninsula, the park is now open to travellers, allowing them to appreciate the region’s natural beauty and striking landscapes. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore it and observe its inhabitants: white-tailed deer, Arctic char, golden eagles, moose, caribou, and the salmon of the Sainte-Anne River. Whether you’re experienced or a total beginner, the park offers fantastic opportunities for hiking enthusiasts.
Confused on where to start? We can also arrange for you to head out on a guided walk with a naturalist to get your bearings.
This morning, hit the road again for the final leg of your riverside road trip, driving three and a half hours back to Riviere-du-Loup. When you arrive, settle in for the night at a lovely hotel nestled on the waterfront.
Spend your last day walking along the riverbank, perhaps to the foot of the impressive falls, or shopping in the downtown boutiques to find the perfect souvenir. Come evening, head out to a local restaurant for one final dinner, toasting to an incredible holiday.
Sadly, it’s time to head home. This morning, board the one-hour ferry to cross to the opposite shore and drive back to Quebec City, two hours away.
When you arrive, return your rental car at the airport and board your overnight flight home. Your flight will take around seven hours, arriving back in the UK the following day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
